The best moments in life are the ones when the tick tock of time disappears. Those moments where you don't worry about the hour because you're so engrossed, so involved in whatever is in the present. Why is it that we don't give this present moment as much appreciation as it deserves? I find myself toiling with the worry of tomorrow or dwelling on the doings of the past. It's quite irritating. What about the now, why do we have to be creatures so stuck in anything but the moment at hand.
I can recall a day this past summer where I wasn't stuck in the chains of the past or future... but I was comfortably seated in the present. My parents, nephew, and I all went on a camping trip. On this particular day we all did a little fishing on the lake, caught a tiny frog, swam with the dogs, cooked up some hot dogs on the fire, napped, and witnessed the most visually pleasing sunset of my entire life. It was on the other side of the campsite area next to a neighboring lake. We walked upon from behind a thick group of trees and man... I can't explain how breath taking it was. The clouds were perfectly painted against a myriad of soft colors. The reflection of the sky in the water of the lake was aching with serene beauty. The mountains in the distance were proudly displaying their strength against a view that made your knees weak. I wanted to take a photo so badly but hadn't brought the camera or my phone with me to do so. So I made a promise to myself to take a mental photo, I never wanted to forget that day, that moment when mother nature had selflessly given me a gift. As we started to walk back to our campsite, I kept looking back at the sunset. It's beauty was gravitating, mesmerizing.
I think as we get older we lose sight of showing gratitude for the now. I write this to remind myself, and others if you read this, that how can we not cherish each moment and give it the appreciation it deserves? Of course, learning from your past is necessary and planning for your future is needed as well. I get that. But take a moment to stop worrying and start embracing this very moment. I mean it. If you're reading this take a moment. Take a deep breath. Again. Put your hand over your heart and feel the rhythm of life that flows through you. Stretch. You're alive.
